Microstructure and Tribological Performance of Alumina–Aluminum Matrix Composites Manufactured by Enhanced Stir Casting Method

Al–Zn–Mg–Cu matrix composites reinforced with (0–20 wt %) Al₂O₃ particles have been manufactured by enhanced stir casting technique. Microstructural characterization of cast composites by optical, field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) reveals homogeneous distribution of reinforcements in Al-alloy matrix with MgZn₂ plus Al₂CuMg intermetallics. With increasing particle content, hardness of composite rises considerably in spite of marginal rise in porosity. Tribological performance under two-body abrasion has been studied considering central composite design (CCD) apart from identification of mechanisms of wear via characterizations of abraded surfaces and debris. Composites exhibit significantly reduced wear rate and coefficient of friction (COF) irrespective of test conditions, since mechanisms of abrasion are observed to change from microplowing and microcutting in unreinforced alloy to mainly delamination with limited microplowing in composites. Effects of four independent factors (reinforcement content, load, abrasive grit size, and sliding distance) on wear behavior have been evaluated using response surface-based analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique. Dominant factors on both wear rate and COF are identified as reinforcement content followed by grit size and load. Combined optimization of wear rate and COF employing multiresponse optimization technique with desirability approach as well as regression models of individual responses have been developed, and their adequacies are validated by confirmatory tests. The developed mathematical models provide further insight on the complex interactions among wear performances of the selected materials and variables of abrasive system. The optimum amount of reinforcement is identified at around 15 wt % for achieving the lowest values of both wear rate and COF.